how do you find out which wire is which in lighting circuits?

[mrsonic`]

greetings

is there a device out there that can identify which wire is which in 2 way circuits? for example, if your lamp outside is controlled by a 2 way switch upstairs and downstairs, and you want to know which wire upstairs and downstairs is L1.
Is a continuity tester suitable for this investigation? how about disconnecting mains, go to the switch upstairs, put alternative power in wire that goes in L1 (about 20-30 volts) and then go downstairs and check which wire has 20-30 v running through it, using volt meter?

 

[Reg Man]

Short each leg to the CPC and use a continuity test. Simple

 

[PAUL M]

or call electrician.

 

[Cirrus]

boom boom, now now guys

 

[KFORDHUNTER]

Seriously man just cut the seals, oh sorry wrong thread.

To check which wire is which mate , wait what am i sayin, is this thread a joke.

By the way i have never seen a seal they are always missin, honest

 

[piggyitm]

I hate been the one to ask silly questions but where are you going to get the 20-30v from????

 

[Bane]

I didn't ask this question...

*Holds hands up*

"Honest"

 

[rumrunner]

you dont have to turn the power off to do a continuity test ,the meter just lasts longer if you do

 

[greekislandlover]

What's the outside lamp got to do with the price of cheese?

Sorry - don't understand the question, but I do agree that calling in a sparky might be a good idea.

 

[jibspark]

out of intrest why do you want to know this?

 

[jibtech]

more to the point how did you get the name mr sonic...oh wait i know

 

[ian.settle1]

Here we go again another person with no electrical knowledge out to KILL themself or someone else

 

[weyboy]

do continuity test, in my case I'll use my pet beetle to hop on the cable one end and get him to follow the cable to the other end, job done...

 

[jibspark]

and won't the cores be the same colour either end?!!

 

[Shakey]

bet this chap is thinking "miserable bas***ds"

we are a fickle lot arent we

if somebody starts a post with "this might be a stupid question but....." they also get back slapped and told "there are no stupid questions ....etc etc"

wheras if they just dive straight in, they get shot down in flames.....

in answer to the question

yes youu should be able to tell by the colours.

if its two way, whatever is in common one end should be in common at the other, the strappers dont matter which way around.

If in doubt, isolate (unless you're Rum) and con check.

 

[wayne]

i guess alot of users were bemused or baffled by the home made solutions

if he'd asked how do you tell which wire is which in a two way circuit maybe we wouldn't have had so much of a laugh at his expense.
that said we do like the odd enthusiastic amateur

 

[Bane]

Well he never came back

I feel guilty now...

Sorry mrsonic.